The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, received a high-powered royal delegation from Umuoma Autonomous Community, led by the traditional ruler, HRH Eze Morrison Soronnadi James Eke, PhD (Omadike).
The visit, which took place at the Rector’s office, featured the monarch and a strong contingent of community leaders including the President General, Hon. Chief Ugochukwu Okanwa; the Traditional Prime Minister, Nze Chris; the Woman Leader, Mrs. Maureen Uka; the Cabinet Chairman, Mr. Patrick Nwaneri; the Apex Youth Leader, Mr. Nnanna Aharanwa; and the monarch’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Oparanozie Samuel, who also serves in the Polytechnic’s Central Stores Department.
In his remarks, HRH Eze Morrison extolled Dr. Igbokwe’s visionary leadership, describing the institution as “a model of cleanliness and order.” He praised her achievements, noting that both staff and students from Umuoma have continued to commend her transformative impact on the Polytechnic.
The monarch expressed appreciation for employment opportunities already given to indigenes of the community but appealed for greater inclusion of Umuoma women in future recruitment exercises.
He also raised concerns about growing security challenges in Umuoma, which affect Polytechnic staff and students residing there.
To tackle this, he sought institutional support for the Umuoma Vigilante Group, requesting patrol vehicles or motorcycles, security gadgets, and financial assistance to motivate personnel.
He further disclosed plans by the community to install barricades at strategic entry and exit points to curb insecurity and appealed for the Polytechnic’s partnership in the project.
In a statement issued by Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah, Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, it quoted Dr. Igbokwe, while welcoming the royal delegation, expressed gratitude for their goodwill. She stressed that recruitment in the Polytechnic is strictly guided by the principles of Federal Character and inclusivity for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
On security, she assured the monarch that his request would be presented to the Polytechnic’s Management Team for deliberation. The Rector also encouraged the Woman Leader to submit names of indigent students from Umuoma for possible inclusion in the ongoing OPay Scholarship Scheme.
The meeting was marked by mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to strengthening the bond between the Polytechnic and its host community.
